Federal Furniture
FEDERAL STYLE
Following the Revolutionary War, the American republic referenced the Roman Republic in its designs to celebrate its independence and declare itself a powerful new country. Imbued with neoclassical elements like those being promoted by architect Robert Adam in Great Britain, antique Federal-style furniture was the first distinctly American style in its melding of ancient influences, European aesthetics and national pride.
Dating roughly from 1790 to 1830, the style featured angular furniture with saber legs and smooth surfaces that contrasted with the curvy Rococo style that was previously in fashion. Eagles were common ornamental motifs on Federal-period furniture, as were cornucopia, lyres, garlands and scrolls, adding subtle flair to pieces characterized by clean lines, geometric symmetry, balanced shapes and a sense of grandeur.
Instead of sculptural carvings, authentic Federal-style furniture was adorned with inlays and patterned veneers that showcased the rich character of different grains and types of wood. As social life tended to be informal in the young country, furniture was often lightweight, so it could be easily rearranged in a drawing room or bedroom. Pieces like dining tables with drop leaves and sideboards became popular, replacing larger chests of drawers.
The Federal style varied by region: Artisans in Charleston, South Carolina, decorated chairs with carved backs, for instance, while those in Baltimore, Maryland, preferred painted details. Its major proponents included father-and-son cabinetmakers John and Thomas Seymour in Boston, Duncan Phyfe and Charles-Honoré Lannuier in New York and Samuel McIntire in Salem, Massachusetts.
Find antique Federal tables, mirrors, storage cabinets and other Federal furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
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Style: Federal
Period: 19th Century
Period: 18th Century and Earlier
19th Century American Federal Style Overmantel Mirror
Located in Chicago, IL
This 19th Century American Federal style gilt wood mirror is a quintessential example of the elegance and symmetry that define the Federal design aesthetic. Its frame, adorned with s...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Giltwood
American Cherry Tilt-Top Candle Stand
Located in Savannah, GA
An American cherry spider leg tilt-top candle stand, early 19th century.
top measures 17 by 22 inches
28 ¼ inches tall; 40 inches tall upright
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Cherry
Antique New York Federal Period Mahogany Paw Foot Drop Leaf Table c. 1830
Located in Westfield, MA
This Antique New York Federal Period Mahogany Paw Foot Drop Leaf Table, dating to around 1830, is a stunning example of early 19th-century American craftsmanship. The solid flame mah...
Category
1830s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Rare Child's Camphor Wood Chest, Leather Bound and Brass Embellished
Located in Essex, MA
Early 19th century child's camphor wood chest
--Original black leather binding and brass tacks.
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair Of Federal Style Mahogany Side Tables
Located in Essex, MA
Each with shaped square tops and rounded corners. Two conforming drawers and raised on reeded tapered legs.
Category
1880s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Antique American Federal Eagle Walnut Side Table, Mid 19th Century
Located in Elkhart, IN
A beautiful American colonial or Federal style walnut and giltwood candle stand or side table featuring a hand carved eagle
USA, Mid 19th Century
Measures: 24"W x 12"D x 22.25"H.
...
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Walnut, Giltwood
Philadelphia Federal Mahogany Work Table
Located in Essex, MA
Rectangular top with rounded hinged ends opening to compartments over two drawers that open from both sides over a hinged door with tambour front and ends and back raised on turned t...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Federal Mahogany and Birdseye Maple Lap Desk on Stand, Circa 1810s
Located in Germantown, MD
A Federal Era Mahogany and Birdseyes Maple Lap Desk on Stand, Circa 1810s
Measures 22.5" in width, 11.5" in depth and 22" in height. Without stand , 22" in width, 11" in depth and 8....
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Birdseye Maple, Mahogany
Great Early 19th Century American Federal Four Poster Bed and Nightstand
Located in Rio De Janeiro, BR
Presenting a beautifully crafted early 19th-century American Federal Four Poster Bed, an exquisite example of timeless craftsmanship. This bed showcases the elegant and understated s...
Category
Early 19th Century North American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
Early 18thC Pembroke Drop Leaf Side Table/Drawer
Located in Malibu, CA
18thC antique New England Pembroke drop leaf table, beautifully constructed. Featuring a long drawer, the opposite side has a faux drawer with match...
Category
18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Hardwood, Cherry
Pair Of Carved And Gilded Eagles Italian Animalier Sculptures Mid-19th Century
Located in Milano, MI
Pair Of Eagles In Carved And Gilded Wood from the mid-1800s, this pair of animalier carvings of birds of prey in carved and gilded wood represents a fascinating example of 19th-cent...
Category
Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Gold Leaf
19th Century Federal Mahogany Lift Top Writing Desk / Work Table
Located in Germantown, MD
A 19th Century Federal Mahogany Lift Top Writing Desk or Work Table.
Features two drawers with working keys. One drawer without key. Top opens up...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century American "Federal" Style Convex Mirror.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique Late 19th Century American "Federal" Style Convex Mirror.
Carved Wood with Gold and an Eagle Perched on Top.
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Wood
18th Century Federal Oak Corner Cabinet / Cupboard
Located in Germantown, MD
A late 18th Century Federal Oak Corner Cabinet / cupboard.
Measures 26.75" in width, 14.75" in depth, 36.75" in height. Side is 17.5" in depth.
Category
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Oak
19th Century Ovoid Shaped Breche Violette Marble Federal Mahogany Coffee Table
Located in Lomita, CA
The novel shape and color of this Breccia marble coffee table will turn heads and transform a living or work space. This vintage Federal ovoid marble-top and inlaid mahogany or cherr...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Breccia Marble
Early 19th Century Fall-Front Desk
Located in Buchanan, MI
Handsome and functional Regency mahogany fall front desk, server, entry way piece, great inlay, elegant form. Exceptional exaggerated arched foot.
Category
19th Century North American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Satin
Federal Style Upholstered Settee
Located in Dallas, TX
Federal Style Upholstered Settee, Reeded Mahogany Frame with Gilded Acanthus Leaf & Swans. Federal style is characterized by bold patriotic symbols such as eagles, shield-shaped chai...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Late 18th Century Dutch Marquetry Mahogany and Upholstered Armchair Desk Chair
Located in Germantown, MD
Late 18th Century Dutch Marquetry Mahogany and Upholstered Armchair Desk Chair
Measures 25.5" in width, 23" in depth and 44.5" in height. Seat height is 20" and arm height is 27.5". ...
Category
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Extraordinary Pair of Fine Period Federal Inlaid Mahogany Console Tables
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A very rare and extraordinary Pair of Antique Inlaid Consoles from New England and saiid to be from the Boston area.
Exquisite construction with D shaped tops and fine string inlays on the apron panels and Curly Maple inlaid panels in the center and diamond shapes on the tops of the legs. Raised on square tapering legs with string inlays.
Provenance: The Table Pair were previously owned by the American Actress Dina Merrill...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Maple
American 19th Century Brass Fender
Located in Southampton, NY
American 19th Century Brass Fender
Category
Early 19th Century North American Antique Federal Furniture
American Federal Mahogany Bow Front Sideboard with Tapered Cuffed Legs, C. 1810
Located in Charleston, SC
American Federal mahogany bow front sideboard with three frieze drawers over centered hinged cabinet doors, flanking hinged doors with fitted interior single drawers, period brasses,...
Category
1810s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Antique Mahogany Federal Period Sheraton Two Drawer Stand c. 1820
Located in Westfield, MA
This charming two-drawer stand, dating to circa 1820, exemplifies the elegance of Federal Period design, specifically from the Sheraton style. Crafted from rich mahogany, the piece s...
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Armorial Service of Samson Chinese Export Porcelain for the American Market
By Edmé Samson
Located in Essex, MA
Partial set of Samson hand painted Chinese Export style porcelain for the American Market.
In beautiful orange trim with hand printed gilt motif. American eagle in centre with Shi...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
The Pennsylvania Journal and The Weekly Advertiser, Issued June 16, 1787
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Presented is an June 16, 1787 issue of Philadelphia's "The Pennsylvania Journal, and The Weekly Advertiser," containing coverage of the Constitutional Convention. The magazine period...
Category
1780s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Leather, Fabric, Paper
Antique Pair of Federal Tiger Maple & Bird's Eye Cane Seat Dinning Charis
Located in Norton, MA
Early 19th Century Antique Pair of Federal Tiger Maple & Bird's Eye Cane Seat Dinning Charis with stylized form, caned seats, and splay legs, c1830...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique 2 Federal Tiger Maple & Bird's Eye Cane Seat Dinning Charis
Located in Norton, MA
Early 19th century Antique 2 Federal Tiger Maple & Bird's Eye Cane Seat Dinning Charis #3 with stylized scroll form rail over slat back, caned seat...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
"Georgius Washington" Engraving by Giuseppe Longhi, 1817
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Presented is a handsome engraved portrait of George Washington by Italian artist Giuseppe Longhi. Titled “Georgius Washington” this engraving was published in Padua, Italy in 1817. The composition is based on a drawing by Longhi himself, but certainly influenced by the Gilbert Stuart and John Trumbull portraits. Washington is depicted in a head and shoulders pose, with his chest to the left but his head angled to the right. He wears a dark coat and vest and a white shirt and ruffled cravat.
The father of our country, George Washington was the commander in chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War (1775-83) and served two terms as the first United States president...
Category
1810s Italian Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Paper
Antique Mahogany Wood Federal Style Credenza / Sideboard
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Elevate your dining space with this exquisite Early 19th Century Mahogany Wood Federal Style Sideboard/Credenza with a charming backsplash over a shaped top. Crafted in the distingui...
Category
1820s Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Bronze
19th Century Mortar & Pestle with Original Surface
Located in New York, NY
American, late 18th century/early 19th century wooden mortar and pestle. The urn shaped mortar with rich patina has a wonderful ...
Category
1790s Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Maple, Wood
19th Century Continental Style Giltwood Frame Wall Mirror
Located in Germantown, MD
A 19th Century Continental Style Giltwood Frame Wall Mirror. Measures 19" in width 34.5" in height.
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Mirror, Giltwood
19th Century Federal Stained Cherry Candlestand
Located in Southampton, NY
19th Century Federal Stained Cherry Candlestand
The warm, reddish-brown finish on the wood suggests it may be cherry, common choices during that period. The table features a simple,...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique American Cherry and Poplar Mid-Atlantic Region Large Corner Cupboard
Located in CHARLESTON, SC
This wonderfully displayed, early American Federal period Cherry "Gothic Chippendale" style Large Corner Cupboard has evidence of poplar secondary wood. The handsome gothic-barred gl...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Cherry, Poplar
"G. Washington" Lithograph after Gilbert Stuart
By Gilbert Stuart
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Presented is a handsome lithographed portrait of George Washington. This lithograph is based on a painting by Gilbert Stuart, the famous “Athanaeum” bust portrait from 1796. Washington is depicted in a head and shoulders pose, positioned left but looking center. He wears a dark coat and vest and a white shirt and ruffled cravat.
The father of our country, George Washington was the commander in chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War (1775-83) and served two terms as the first United States president...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Paper
Antique Federal Period Mahogany Work Table with Pineapple Carved Pillars c. 1840
Located in Westfield, MA
This Antique Federal Period Mahogany Work Table, dating to around 1840, is a striking example of American craftsmanship from the Federal period. The piece is made from richly grained...
Category
1830s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Mid-19 Century Federal Mahogany With Inlay Table
Located in Charleston, SC
This handsome English mahogany server, c. 1850, features a narrow, rectangular surface over an apron outfitted with 2 drawers having beautiful hardware. The whole rests upon square t...
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
American Federal Center Pedestal Games Table, circa 1815
Located in Miami, FL
An exceptionally handsome and very well crafted classical Philadelphia Federal games table in premium mahogany with turned and finely carved pedes...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
19th century American Tripod Table
Located in Savannah, GA
Unusual rectangular shaped. American tripod table with original working mechanism. The exquisitely grained top is one piece of mahogany and shape...
Category
1810s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Early 19th Century Rosewood Domed Top Bookcase With Brass Ormula
Located in Pueblo, CO
This is a very rare stately Rosewood cabinet with brass ormula fittings. Base section has full drawer with carved pulls above a two door cabinet with shelf, upper section is a dome ...
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Federal Flame Mahogany Bookcase
Located in Pueblo, CO
Absolutely stunning Federal flame mahogany bookcase in perfect condition for over 200 years old. Original individual glass panes, upper and lower cabinets lock with original key, sta...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
American Federal Mahogany “Martha Washington” Lolling Armchair ca. 1800
Located in Shippensburg, PA
AMERICAN FEDERAL INLAID-MAHOGANY LOLLING "MARTHA WASHINGTON" ARMCHAIR
Massachusetts, ca. 1780-1800 purchased from Bernard and S. Dean Levy, Inc. of New York in 1966
Item # 401JNI25P...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Large American Wire Fireplace Screen
Located in Essex, MA
Hard to find size removed from an early American house with walk in fireplace north of Boston. Curved back to cover fireplace .
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Iron
Pair Of American Brass Steeple Top Andirons
Located in Essex, MA
Steeple top newly polished. Ball feet.
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Wrought Iron
Fine Antique Federal Period Parcel Gilt Wall Mirror c. 1830
Located in Westfield, MA
This Fine Antique Federal Period Parcel Gilt Wall Mirror, dating to circa 1830, embodies the elegance and restrained beauty characteristic of the Federal style. The mirror features a...
Category
1830s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
An Early Federal Mahogany and Satinwood Game Table
Located in Lambertville, NJ
A beautiful federal period game table with nicely shaped top. The flame mahogany, with graceful satinwood inlay with hand carved capitols over the tapered fluted legs. The table wi...
Category
Early 1800s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Satinwood
Federal Gilt-Wood & Eglomise Painted Mirror
Located in Huntington, NY
This American Federal gilt-wood mirror dates
Circa 1790, it’s lower rectangular antique mirror plate below
A black, white & gold verre e...
Category
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Giltwood
Pair Of Federal Mahogany Side Chairs
Located in Essex, MA
With arched backs with pierced splats with small carved rosettes. Drop in seats and raised on square tapered legs with H form stretchers.
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Pair of American Double Lemon Andirons
Located in Greenwich, CT
Good pair of American double lemon andirons, having beaded bands around both lemon finials, with turned collars over octagonal shafts, standing on arche...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Iron, Brass
"Apotheosis" of George Washington Creamware Jug- Large Size
Located in Downingtown, PA
"Apotheosis" of George washington creamware jug,
Liverpool,
Circa 1800-10
The large "Apotheosis" of George Washington Liverpool transfer decorated ...
Category
Early 1800s English Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Creamware, Pottery
Federal Corner Cupboard in Early Yellow Paint with Glazed Doors & Barrel Back
Located in Milford, NH
A fine example of a one piece Federal period New England corner cupboard with a barrel back , a molded cornice with dentil molding surmounting two upper case glazed glass multi-panel...
Category
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Glass, Pine
Rare Pair of Federal Bell Metal Andirons
Located in Greenwich, CT
Fine and rare pair of Philadelphia bell metal classical andirons, the urn finials over Doric column shafts standing on socle plinths with scalloped bases and standing on cabriole leg...
Category
Early 1800s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Bronze
George Washington Engraving by H. B. Hall, after William Birch
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Presented is a handsome engraved portrait of George Washington by artist H. B. Hall. This engraving was published in New York, in a limited edition of 125 impressions. The engraving is based on a painting by William Birch Gilbert Stuart, a small miniature in enamel, completed in 1796. Birch painted Washington from life in his office in Philadelphia, by the request of I. G. Van Staphorst, Esqr. of Amsterdam. In the small portrait, Washington is depicted in a head and shoulders pose, facing right. He wears a dark coat and vest and a white shirt and ruffled cravat.
The father of our country, George Washington was the commander in chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War (1775-83) and served two terms as the first United States president...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Paper
Antique John Burger New York Federal Classical Silver Teapot
Located in New York, NY
Federal Classical coin silver teapot. Made by John Burger in New York, ca 1790. Straight and oval with long diagonal spout; silver-mounted high-looping and leaf-capped stained-wood h...
Category
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Silver
Antique American Hardwood Candlesticks, Original Bobeches, circa 1900
Located in Chatham, ON
Antique American pair of hardwood candlesticks - lathe turned - original metal bobeches - original wool felt liners to the bases - unsigned - United States - circa 1900.
Good antiq...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Metal
"The British Surrendering their Arms to Gen. Washington..." after Renault, 1819
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Presented is an engraving entitled “The British surrendering their arms to Gen. Washington after their defeat at Yorktown Virginia October 1781.” The dedication continues in the bottom margin, “To the defenders of American independence, this print is most respectfully inscribed by their fellow citizen, Jn. Fcis. Renault, assistant secretary to the Count de Grass, and engineer to the French Army, at the siege of York.” The engraving is after a painting by John Francis Renault, and engraved by Tanner, Vallance, Kearny & Co. and William Allen, in Philadelphia in January of 1819.
This historic print depicts the surrender of the British forces after the Battle of Yorktown. The print shows Lord Cornwallis offering his sword to the Duke de Lauzun, who defers the weapon to General Washington. British officers stand with Cornwallis on the right and French and American officers are shown at center and left. The immediate background is filled with an elaborate allegorical scene. Behind the British troops is a female representation of “Discord,” wearing a billowing robes and liberty cap and floating on storm clouds, as she sends lightning bolts to up-end the British people and a chariot below her. Behind the American and French officers, “Prosperity” stands next to an overflowing cornucopia, with “Justice”, an infant child with a paddle inscribed “American Constitution,” representing the helm of statehood. They crowd around a neoclassical monument with a giant urn...
Category
1810s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Paper
Pair of Antique Louis XVI Style Giltwood Wall Sconces with Eagles
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Pair of Antique Louis XVI Style giltwood wall sconces
Additional information:
Materials: Wood
Color: Gold
Period: early 19th century
Place of Origin: France
Styles: Federal
...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique Silk Broadside An Elegiac Poem Death of President George Washington 1800
Located in Portland, OR
An important & rare antique American political printed silk broadside, an elegy on the death of President George Washington, dated 1800.
A poem on the Death of President George Was...
Category
1790s Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Silk
Early American Stenciled Tiger Maple Pole Screen
Located in Savannah, GA
Mahogany and maple pole screen on a tripod base featuring a center urn, adjustable brass slide and a lead weighted bottom. Stenciled floral motif on screen...
Category
Early 1800s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Maple
Federal Tiger Maple Tripod Table, American, Early 19th Century
Located in Huntington, NY
Tiger Maple Tripod table, top with chamfered corners also inlaid with mother of pearl, circles, hearts & triangles. Turned standard raised on down swept legs terminating in spade feet.
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
Federal furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Federal furniture for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include tables, case pieces and storage cabinets, mirrors and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, mahogany and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Federal furniture made in a specific country, there are North America, United States, and Europe pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original furniture, popular names associated with this style include Baker Furniture Company, Kindel Furniture, Drexel, and Edward F. Caldwell & Co.. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $50 and tops out at $115,000 while the average work can sell for $2,800.
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